Related color question
What Color Makes It Blue?
In paint, blue is usually a starter color, so the clearest way to make something blue is to use blue paint. In printer ink, cyan and magenta can make blue.
Quick answer for kids
Use blue paint when you want a bright blue result. Mix blue with a little white for light blue or a tiny bit of black for navy.
Parent and teacher note
The answer depends on the color system. Blue is a primary color in classroom paint and RGB light. In CMY printer ink, cyan plus magenta can build blue.
What colors make blue by color system
Paint Lab
Paint Mode: blue is normally a primary paint color. Start with blue paint instead of trying to mix it from other colors.
Light Mode
Light Mode: blue is a primary light color. Add blue light to make cyan, magenta, or white with other lights.
Printer Ink Mode
Printer Ink Mode: cyan plus magenta ink can make blue.
Try it in Free Mix
Open the unified lab, switch systems, and compare the recipe without a score.
Open Free MixWorksheet activity
Paint a blue swatch, then add white to one side and black to another side.
Frequently asked questions
What color makes it blue?
For paint, use blue because it is normally a primary paint color. For printer ink, cyan and magenta can make blue.
Can yellow and green make blue?
No. Yellow and green paint usually make yellow-green, not a clean blue.
What colors make dark blue?
Start with blue and add a tiny amount of black or purple, then adjust slowly.